The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has condemned comments attributed to Islamic cleric Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, describing them as divisive and capable of undermining national unity.
Recall that Jingir, in a viral video while presenting his address at the recent mass wedding conducted by the Kano State government, claimed that Nigeria is an Islamic state and that the Muslim-Muslim ticket for the presidency has come to stay. He also claimed that a Kano mosque bombing which claimed many lives was carried out by Christians.
His comment has generated many reactions from both Christians and Muslims, who said that it could result in crisis and further deepen the division between Christians and Muslims.
Meanwhile, Kwankwaso, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday, said he was deeply concerned by remarks allegedly made by Jingir at an event in Kano during the weekend.
He said the country was passing through a critical period and could ill afford statements capable of promoting division and disunity among Nigerians.
“At this critical moment in our nation’s history, statements that promote division and disunity must be firmly discouraged,” Kwankwaso said.
The former Kano State governor expressed particular concern that the remarks came from Jingir, whom he described as a religious leader with significant stature and influence.
He, however, insisted that the people of Kano did not support or endorse what he described as the cleric’s divisive remarks.
“Let it be clearly stated: the good people of Kano do not endorse or support these divisive remarks,” he said.
Kwankwaso urged political and religious leaders to exercise responsibility in their public statements, stressing the need for them to promote truth, unity and reconciliation.
According to him, leaders should avoid utterances that could weaken national cohesion or threaten the foundation of Nigeria’s nationhood.
“Political and religious leaders alike carry a solemn responsibility to uphold truth, foster unity, and advance reconciliation,” he said.
The NDC vice presidential candidate also linked the controversy to the 2027 general elections, saying the polls would provide Nigerians with an opportunity to assess the performance of the current administration.
He said voters would have the opportunity to reward good governance at the ballot box while rejecting what he described as poor performance.
“The 2027 general elections will be an opportunity for Nigerians to reward good governance with resounding support and to reject poor performance at the polls. This administration has earned the latter,” Kwankwaso said.